During the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic games, Coldplay was joined by Rihanna and Jay-Z.
Collaborating with the band, Rihanna performed ‘Princess Of China’, a track from Coldplay’s ‘Mylo Xyloto’. Additionally, Jay-Z contributed to the performance with a rendition of his song ‘Run This Town’ and a reimagined version of ‘Paradise’.
The grand three-hour ceremony took place at the Olympic Stadium in East London, which can seat 80,000, celebrating the achievements of 4,200 Paralympians from 164 nations. These athletes gathered around a massive stage located in the stadium’s center.
Kicking off their vibrant set, inspired by the four seasons, Coldplay began with ‘Us Against The World’, a track from their 2011 album ‘Mylo Xyloto’. “This is for all the athletes and all the volunteers,” Chris Martin shared before transitioning into ‘Yellow’, which illuminated the stadium in yellow light while a contemporary dance troupe performed around them.
They followed up with the aptly named ‘Up In Flames’, alongside dancers featuring fire and interspersed with a first rendition of ‘Paradise’. During the song ’42’, an ice queen emerged from a frost-themed structure, and for ‘God Put A Smile Upon Your Face’, a disabled drummer joined the band.
Rihanna made her dramatic entrance aboard a wooden ship, navigating through the athletes who stood beside the stage, and she performed ‘Princess of China’ alongside Coldplay.
Later, the singer showcased her popular collaboration with Calvin Harris, ‘We Found Love’, from a bench that soared high above the stadium floor. “Being at the Paralympics is the biggest honour,” Rihanna declared. “These athletes are gladiators and are a true inspiration to me.”
After a pause in Coldplay’s performance for the ceremonial passing of the Paralympic flag to Rio, who will host the 2016 Paralympic games, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Coldplay united to perform ‘Run This Town’.
Jay-Z then remained on stage with Coldplay for a reworked performance of their hit ‘Paradise’, leading up to Coldplay wrapping up the ceremony with ‘The Scientist’ and ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’.
by Wallace McTavish
